THE COMPOSITE ONENESS OF GOD 
(ECHAD ELOHIM) (cont.)
by Dave R. Mode, Jr.

Notice that in each scripture the Most High is speaking, and he uses the word “us” in each statement. One might assume that the Most High was possibly speaking to the angels when he made these statements. However, this assumption is problematic. For the Genesis 1:27 clearly states that humankind was made in the image of God (elohim), not that of angels. Also Genesis 11:9 points out that the LORD (Yehovah) confused the languages of the people, and not with the assistance of angels. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that the Most High would have been speaking to angels when he used the word “us”. 

From the evidence in the scriptures, there are two apparent factors that reveal a plurality in the composition of the Most High. 1) The use of the Hebrew term elohim (literally “Gods” because it is a plural masculine Hebrew term) which was translated “God”; and 2) The Most High using the word “us”. 

V. THE PLURAL ONENESS OF YEHOVAH 

In Deuteronomy 6:4, Yehovah is depicted as a plural oneness. In order for us to have a clear understanding of God being a plural oneness, Deuteronomy 6:4 must be examined from the literal Hebrew translation. 

Deuteronomy 6:4 in Hebrew reads, 

"Shma Yisrael YHWH (Yehovah) elohanu YHWH (Yehovah) echad". 

The literal translation of the Hebrew reads, 

"Hear Israel Yehovah our Gods Yehovah is one (a unity or united)". 

The two Hebrew terms elohanu and echad point to Yehovah as a plural oneness. The Hebrew term elohanu is a compound term composed of the Hebrew terms elohim and nu. Elohim literally means "gods" and nu means "our". Elohanu is literally translated "our Gods", and shows the plurality of Yehovah. The Hebrew term echad, meaning to unify, indicates that Yehovah is a plural oneness or a composite unity. 

At face value, Deuteronomy 6:4 has been interpreted by many to refer to the Most High as a singular oneness. However, if the purpose of Deuteronomy 6:4 was to reveal God as a singular oneness, then el would have to replace elohim and yachid would have to replace echad (see DEFINITIONS for the Hebrew terms el and yachid). 

(cont. page 4)

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